Taking a minute to dwell in Him

This blog entry is tough to write. Tough because I, like many others at LCF, are feeling a loss. Because of many circumstances beyond our church's control, all of the children at the orphanage have been dispersed to other people and places. We so much want to understand how this happened, why this happened, and now, what can we do to make sure they are okay.

But God has reasons beyond our understanding for allowing all that has happened in the last few weeks. He has a plan for each child. We just don't know the details. To be honest, God doesn't have to ask our permission or our opinion. There is no doubt in my mind that LCF followed God's plan for the children ever since the orphanage opened in 2008. God hasn't left the children, He just has another plan for their lives. I believe He is commanding our church to not let go of our mission to help orphans. God is asking us to not let go, but instead, He is asking us to "let God". I, and many others in the church are on our knees asking God to continue to reveal His purpose, His grace and, most importantly His abounding love for the people most in need in this world... orphans.

What now? Pray? Cry? Mourn? Yes to all. I am really trying to focus on one word in particular... DWELL in the Almighty. I thought I would look up the meaning of the word "dwell" in my dictionary. First of all, dwell is a verb, an action verb. A doing kind of thing. It means to "focus one's attention, to continue in a place or a condition, to reside." I would like all that read this post, all that pray for the orphans whether you have been on a trip or not... to dwell in Him with all of the concerns we have for the children. Dwell in prayers for the children. Dwell in prayers for the people in the organizations that are involved with the orphans in Haiti. Also, dwell in prayers for Scott and the LCF Haiti team as they seek to know God's direction in all of this.

I feel strongly led to dwell in a specific chapter in the Bible. Isaiah 43 is a beautiful chapter filled with hope, redemption, and grace. I will share just one particular verse and then ask you to read in your Bible for the other promises God shares in the chapter. We can use these verses to dwell in prayers for the children.

Isaiah 43:10: "You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me."

Our outpouring of love and devotion to share the love of Christ to each and every child that lived at the orphanage was no accident. It was by God's design. He chose each child and even each villager to hear the message of true salvation. He chose each LCF team member that would take a week of their time and give hugs, smiles, and show the children Jesus's love through songs and skits. We were and we continue to be God's servants to reach out and bring light to a dark world.

Thank you for dwelling in prayer with the LCF Haiti team. To God be all the glory, all the honor, and all of the praise, forever and ever. Amen!

Blessings,
Amy